Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using Allium sativum extract and evaluation of their electrical activities in bio-electrochemical cell

Abstract

An electrical application of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by developing a unique bio-electrochemical cell (BEC) has been addressed in the report. Here, garlic extract (GE) has been used as a reducing agent to synthesize Ag NPs, and as a bio-electrolyte solution of BEC. Ag NPs successfully formed into face-centered cubic structures with average crystallite and particle sizes of 8.49 nm and 20.85 nm, respectively, according to characterization techniques such as the UV–vis spectrophotometer, XRD, FTIR, and FESEM. A broad absorption peak at 410 nm in the UV–visible spectra indicated that GE played a vital role as a reducing agent in the transformation of Ag+ ions to Ag NPs. After that four types of BEC were developed by varying the concentration of GE, CuSO4. 5H2O, and Ag NPs electrolyte solution. The open circuit voltage and short circuit current of all cells were examined with the time duration. Moreover, different external loads (1 Ω, 2 Ω, 5 Ω, and 6 Ω) were used to investigate the load voltage and load current of BEC. The results demonstrated that the use of Ag NPs on BEC played a significant role in increasing the electrical performance of BEC. The use of GE-mediated Ag NPs integrated the power, capacity, voltage efficiency, and energy efficiency of BEC by decreasing the internal resistance and voltage regulation. These noteworthy results can take a frontier forward to the development of nanotechnology for renewable and low-cost power production applications.

Biosynthesis and characterizations of silver nanoparticles by using green banana peel extract: Evaluation of their antibacterial and electrical performances

“…Another reactant ion H + is produced from the mild acidic solution of bio-electrolyte. In BECs, as much as reactant ion is produced the cell voltage is increased [ 20 , 47 , 48 ]. The addition of CuSO 4 .…”

“…The addition of CuSO 4 . 5H 2 O in the BECs plays an important role in increasing the power production as secondary salt effect [ 20 ]. Moreover, the incorporation of Ag NPs in BECs accelerated the flow of electrons during the reaction mechanism as a potential catalyst to increase the electricity generation [ 13 , 19 , 20 ].…”

“…The solution containing electrolytes functions better with the addition of GBPE-mediated Ag NPs. Ag NPs catalyze electron flow, boosting energy generation from inorganic and organic molecules to the electrode [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Results showed that the BEC with peel extract electrolyte can generate electricity, and the incorporation of GBPE-mediated Ag NPs decreased the cell's voltage regulation.…”

“…Results showed that the BEC with peel extract electrolyte can generate electricity, and the incorporation of GBPE-mediated Ag NPs decreased the cell's voltage regulation. The internal resistance of the cell reduces, and its open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc) increase upon the addition of Ag NPs [ [20] , [21] , [22] ]. To date, many plant extracts have been utilized as bio electrolyte solution and MnO 2 , Ag NPs have been used as catalysts to improve the performances of cell [ 13 , 20 , 23 ].…”

“…The internal resistance of the cell reduces, and its open circuit voltage (Voc) and short circuit current (Isc) increase upon the addition of Ag NPs [ [20] , [21] , [22] ]. To date, many plant extracts have been utilized as bio electrolyte solution and MnO 2 , Ag NPs have been used as catalysts to improve the performances of cell [ 13 , 20 , 23 ]. In this report, banana peel extract bio electrolyte solution has been first time investigated in electrochemical cells and the electrical parameters have been examined.…”